Page 117 of Forging Darkness

I shrug a single shoulder. “I guess those are the highlights.”

“And you’ve learned some pretty impressive things about yourself as well.”

Another shrug.

Pressing his lips together, he inhales and exhales through his nose. “All right.”

A beat goes by. Then another.

Um. That’s it?

Steel leans forward, settling his forearms on the table. He’s moved ever so slightly closer to me throughout the last couple hours. His thigh rubs against mine whenever one of us moves. It’s . . . nice. Comforting.

“So what happens now?” He takes the words right out of my mouth.

Mirroring Steel, Malachi sits forward.

“Now, I brief the rest of the Council.” He turns his gaze to Sable. “Make sure to get as much information about the location of that compound as you can. I’ll need it as soon as possible.”

Sable’s eyes flick to Steel. He gives a single nod.

“Give me a map and I’ll show you the area. I’ll probably be able to pinpoint it within a fifty-mile radius.”

“Good,” Malachi says. “Emberly, I’m looking forward to meeting you in person.” He reaches forward and the screen goes black.

Alrighty then.

“Steel, can you please stay with Deacon and figure out that location? I’ll get Emberly settled into one of the staterooms. She may not have very much time to rest when we get to Egypt.”

“Sure.” He swivels in his seat to watch me rise and follow Sable. “Em?” I’m halfway out the door when he calls for me. I look over my shoulder at him. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

My brow furrows. That’s an odd thing to say.

“Great.” I throw him a thumbs-up because apparently I’m the world’s biggest weirdo. Turning, I scurry after Sable, not wanting to see Steel’s reaction. His chuckle dogs me as the door latches with a click.

The plane is quiet. Everyone is doing their own thing. The only one who even looks up as we pass is Greyson.

“Where you headed?” he asks.

“I’m going to show Emberly the stateroom so she can sleep.”

Greyson unfolds from his seat, setting aside the crossword he was working on. “I’ll take her.”

“You sure?”

“You guys,” I say, “I’m cool heading back there on my own.”

“Naw, it’s okay. I’ve got this.” He tips his head and says, “This way.”

Sable throws a wave and heads back toward the conference room to rejoin Deacon and Steel.

There are two doors at the back of the plane. When we reach them, Grey loiters for a moment, and I wait patiently. We both know I didn’t need an escort back here.

“Emberly, I’m really glad you’re all right.”

“Yeah, me too.” I offer Greyson a smile, not quite sure what’s going on.

He shifts his weight from foot to foot, looking unsure. I’m not used to seeing him like this. If there’s anything the Durand family has in spades, it’s confidence.

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